Motta also was asked about one player, who shaved his beard prior to the end of the season.

The concern, obviously, would be the same with any superstition - breaking the habit prior to a streak ending, in this case a streak of wins that has made the Irish 12-0 now with a chance to win its first national championship since 1988.

Motta, who is from Vero Beach, Florida, and said he was born in Miami, also discussed the motivation for his final game at Notre Dame.

He also talked about frustrations of past seasons, which did not end well for the Fighting Irish.